Bryan Sullivan of Rumson (left), Kevin Scatuorchio of Brick (center) and Kevin's father Jim, raise the Haskell trophy after Verrazano won the annual race.

Written by

Stephen Edelson
| Commentary

So Verrazano turned the $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational into a Horse of the Year audition, sparking a joyous winner's circle celebration among the local owners and their friends and families.

That alone would be enough to label the summer fixture a rousing success most years.